Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has welcomed the announcement of £104 million from Active Travel England to improve and maintain Active Travel routes in England.

Until now, funding for the National Cycle Network has generally been awarded annually, which creates a level of uncertainty and makes it challenging to plan for the long term.

This new four-year investment will allow Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to develop more effective programmes of work that build on one another and deliver greater benefits for communities across England.

Sarah Roberts, Chief Executive Officer at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust said of the announcement: 

“The National Cycle Network is a critical part of the UK’s transport infrastructure, making it possible for people to walk, wheel and cycle with confidence. It connects us to places and people we care about and gives us space to enjoy our beautiful environment.

Creating safe, accessible routes help people reach work, school, shops and green spaces, while making neighbourhoods healthier, more connected and more enjoyable places to live. Major investment is needed to deliver this vision and today’s announcement of multi-year funding is an important step forward. We look forward to working with communities, partners, and local regional and national government to plan and deliver these improvements.

Together, we can make everyday journeys safer, healthier and more affordable, so everyone can choose the freedom and joy of travelling actively.”

Alongside infrastructure improvements, funding will also support community-led initiatives that encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle; for example, by supporting journeys to school, engaging with underrepresented communities and improving connections to local services and public transport.

(Picture: Yay Images)